Dear Parents and Guardians, A note to families on the Free & Reduced-Price Meal Program Frequently Asked Questions
We are grateful for the strong support from families and community partners who help make sure no child goes hungry in our schools. As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, we will return to using the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Application to determine eligibility for student meals. Here is why we are making this change: 1.Sustainability and Funding Uncertainty: While CEP expanded access to meals, it placed a financial strain on the division. At the same time, future federal funding for CEP is uncertain, making it difficult to plan long-term. Returning to eligibility-based applications ensures we can maintain high-quality services for students across the division. 2.Food Waste: Many students were not consuming all components of a full meal. Reducing waste allows us to direct more resources toward food quality and nutrition. 3.Meal Quality: Parents, students, and staff have shared that meals can and should be better. We are happy to announce that GCPS will participate in the VDOE Virginia Food for Virginia Kids, giving our schools access to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and meals prepared from scratch, including student-inspired recipes and menu ideas. 4.Family Support: Families who qualify will continue to receive free or reduced-price meals. This change allows us to better serve students who need meal assistance, while improving services for all. Our Shared Commitment We are proud to be part of a community that consistently steps up to care for students. This summer, more than 500 families registered for our meal distribution program. Local churches support the backpack food initiative, and community organizations help pay off student meal balances, ensuring no child goes without. With your support, this shared commitment will continue. To ensure students receive the support they need and to help our schools qualify for vital state and federal resources. We are asking every family to complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Application, even if your child doesn’t typically eat school meals. Why it matters The percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals also determines whether schools are eligible for:
Q: What is CEP?
A: The Community Eligibility Provision is a federal program that allows eligible schools to serve free breakfast and lunch to all students without collecting household meal applications. Q: What federal changes could make schools ineligible for CEP? A: A federal proposal would raise the CEP eligibility threshold from 25 percent to 60 percent of 'identified' students (those in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid). This change could make more than 24,000 schools— impacting over 12 million students—ineligible for the program. Q: What will replace CEP at GCPS? A: We’ll implement the Free & Reduced-Price Meals Program, which relies on household applications. Qualifying students will still receive meals for free or at a reduced price. Q: Will my information be kept confidential? A: Yes, students enter a lunch number into the system. It is also state and federal law to protect the confidentiality of free and reduced lunch status.
Additional instructional funding Reading intervention programs
State and federal support for military-connected students Grants for technology, tutoring, and student services What does it mean to qualify?
According to USDA guidelines: Free Meals: Families earning at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (e.g., under $41,795/year for a family of four) Reduced-Price Meals: Families earning between 130% and 185% of the poverty level (e.g., up to $59,478/year for a family of four) The application is private, simple to complete, and available online at: https://www2.myschoolapps.com/ (but that will not open up until August 15). Paper applications are also available at every school. All forms must be submitted by October 1, 2025.
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